Fox News host Greg Gutfeld is once again facing heavy criticism after making sexist remarks during a segment on Monday’s edition of The Five. The controversy centers on Gutfeld’s suggestion that many of the world’s problems would be solved if women were to “vanish” from the planet — a comment that has ignited backlash from across the political and media spectrum.
The comments came during a discussion on a smash-and-grab robbery at a Nordstrom store in Los Angeles, as surveillance footage of the incident aired. Rather than focusing on the specifics of the crime or law enforcement policy, Gutfeld launched into a broader critique of criminal justice reform, blaming what he characterized as a “soft on crime” approach — and ultimately blaming women for enabling it.
“What would happen if all the women took a ladies week off and they went to Venus … How many of these problems would still exist?” Gutfeld asked, smirking.
While Gutfeld allowed that some new problems might arise in the hypothetical absence of women, he insisted that crime would decrease, particularly organized retail theft and “rampant recidivism.”
He continued, “Smash and grabs? Gone. Soft sentencing? Gone. The idea that criminals are the real victims? Gone. We’ve become too soft because we decided that discipline and punishment are wrong.”
Perhaps anticipating backlash, Gutfeld turned to co-host Jeanine Pirro, a former prosecutor and judge known for her tough stance on crime.
“I know this is offensive to the judge because she thinks like a dude,” he quipped.
The panel appeared visibly uncomfortable during the segment, though no one directly challenged Gutfeld’s statements on-air. As of Tuesday, Fox News has not issued a public response despite growing pressure online and from media watchdog groups.
Pattern of Controversy
This is not the first time Gutfeld has landed in hot water for incendiary remarks. Just last month, he sparked national outrage with comments about the Holocaust, prompting a rare condemnation from the White House. In that case, Gutfeld suggested that victims of Nazi concentration camps who survived did so due to “usefulness,” a remark labeled as a “horrid, dangerous, and extreme lie” by White House officials. Critics accused him of distorting history and dishonoring the memory of Holocaust victims.
Despite the uproar, Gutfeld did not apologize, and Fox News declined to comment, a pattern that is now repeating with his latest controversial outburst.
Public Reaction and Social Media Backlash
Online, Gutfeld’s comments were met with swift and widespread condemnation. Social media users labeled his statements misogynistic, regressive, and dangerous. Many highlighted the irony of accusing women of weakening society while working alongside a respected female judge and former prosecutor.
Critics also pointed out the contradiction in targeting an entire gender in a conversation about crime prevention, noting that most violent crimes, including theft and armed robbery, are overwhelmingly committed by men — not women.
Women’s rights advocates and political commentators have called for accountability, with some demanding Gutfeld issue an apology or face consequences from the network.
Broader Implications for Fox News
The incident raises further questions about Fox News’ handling of on-air talent and the editorial boundaries — or lack thereof — at the network. While hosts like Gutfeld are known for blending satire with political commentary, the blurring of those lines can have serious consequences when rhetoric turns harmful.
Gutfeld, who was recently promoted to host his own prime-time show, has long enjoyed a platform that allows him to speak provocatively. But as critics have argued, being provocative should not excuse sexist, inaccurate, or harmful messaging — especially on a platform with millions of viewers.
For now, Fox News remains silent, and Gutfeld continues to air without correction or clarification. Whether the backlash will lead to disciplinary action, an apology, or just another headline remains to be seen.
